P plate restricted Alfa's

Neil Choi · August 02, 2013, 10:24:06 PM

Well, I got to have a mild rant.

In the process of considering an addition to our Alfa family. So looked at a bunch of Alfa's. One of the reasons was for my wife and 18 yo son to be able to drive it, one of the other reasons is the wife's car is too big and thirsty for daily use.

Considering the new Giulietta and MiTo. Looks like the QV versions could be fun. Auto as requested by my wife, mmmm not sure on that one but would save a divorce and allows me to keep racing.

But then looked up the P-plate vehicle restriction list.

Both QV's are on the BAN LIST. Even the mid level ones ie 1.4L low boost turbo requires an application.

Then looked up others, the V8 Montreal is on the ban list, as is the SAAB Viggen, and a V8 Disco.

But my son is allow to drive a 156 or 147 GTA (which he does) with 185kw or a 195kw Ford territory or XR6 or a 180kw R32 Golf but not a 125kw of MiTo QV or 175kw Giulietta QV or the SAAB Viggen of 175kw or something like that. How ridiculous is this list.

So I think I am going to go buy a 147 GTA.

TFJ100 · August 02, 2013, 10:49:57 PM

On the plus side, GTAs are on the ok list!

How much spare cash do you have? I'd quite like a 147 GTA if you are buying?

Neil Choi · August 02, 2013, 11:02:55 PM

Yes, GTA's are permitted, go figure.

You have a 147 GTA?

Steve S · August 02, 2013, 11:24:53 PM

turbos and V8s are the only fast cars remember

TFJ100 · August 02, 2013, 11:45:34 PM

Quote from: Neil Choi on August 02, 2013, 11:02:55 PM
Yes, GTA's are permitted, go figure.

You have a 147 GTA?

I will have when you buy me one, to match my 156GTA!

Torben

oz3litre · August 03, 2013, 03:18:11 AM

Such rules are thought up by politicians who wouldn't know a spark plug from a steering wheel and supported by people who think a Prius is the most exciting car on the road and better for the environment than proper cars.

colcol · August 03, 2013, 01:04:19 PM

And the headlines scream, 'ban on turbo's and V-8's for P-platers', which makes it look they are doing something for road safety, as opposed to improving the standard of driving, which would mean it would be tougher to get a licence, but that would mean the politicians would be less popular due to all the red tape involved in getting your licence.
A few years ago the Alfa Club invited a Politician road safety expert, who said they didn't want young people doing road safety events at race tracks, as it encourages them to become racing car drivers and speed.....end of rant, Colin.

oz3litre · August 03, 2013, 02:12:46 PM

Quote from: colcol on August 03, 2013, 01:04:19 PM
A few years ago the Alfa Club invited a Politician road safety expert, who said they didn't want young people doing road safety events at race tracks, as it encourages them to become racing car drivers and speed.....end of rant, Colin.

What chance is there when you have complete morons like that making the decisions?

I think the quality of driving instructors leaves a lot to be desired in some cases. We were fortunate enough to have our kids taught by a guy who was an ex professional soldier and learned the army way. He taught them observational driving like I was by my dad who also learned it in the army. Both of my kids are above average drivers as a result. They are experts at judging safe distances between their car and others, car control, wet weather driving and observing everything that is happening around them and thinking about what they would do if the worst happened. Some of their peers are a worry. I suspect some instructors barely teach the basics. It should be compulsory to learn some basic mechanics so that drivers understand how things work and that having electronic aids doesn't mean you can drive like an idiot and your car will save you. My kids reckon that most of their friends cheated on the hours of driving with a licensed driver as well, which in my opinion is stupid and irresponsible. An alarming number of people of all ages drive in a tunnel and see little outside of the boundaries of their car. A skilful and responsible driver in a powerful car is far safer than an unskilled one in a buzz box as we all know.

TFJ100 · August 03, 2013, 06:53:31 PM

Quote from: oz3litre on August 03, 2013, 03:18:11 AM
Such rules are thought up by politicians who wouldn't know a spark plug from a steering wheel and supported by people who think a Prius is the most exciting car on the road and better for the environment than proper cars.

Got overtaken by a badly driven Prius with a heap of dents today. Crazy bugger...

Craig C · August 05, 2013, 10:09:45 AM

From what I understand it is not that difficult to get an exemption from VICROADS particularly if it is a family vehicle, 4 seats or more. Could be worth checking before you narrow your purchase choices. Quite a few of my son's friends have these exemptions.

hmd · August 05, 2013, 01:06:13 PM

Quote from: Neil Choi on August 02, 2013, 10:24:06 PM
the V8 Montreal is on the ban list

I am sure this would be #1 on the mrs list, lol.

Spada · August 05, 2013, 05:32:59 PM

Yeah, best to check before you decide.

The irony is that any Porsche 911 (other than a turbo), Cayman or Boxster are all P-plate legal. Go figure?!

Gary Pearce · August 05, 2013, 07:55:56 PM

Go on Neil. Buy the low output Giulietta then Ivy can have a auto.
Happy Wife happy racing life.

Neil Choi · August 05, 2013, 09:47:08 PM

You are a man of true wisdom, Philosopher Pearce.

Beatle · August 05, 2013, 10:26:25 PM

Quote from: Spada on August 05, 2013, 05:32:59 PM
Yeah, best to check before you decide.

The irony is that any Porsche 911 (other than a turbo), Cayman or Boxster are all P-plate legal. Go figure?!

Not in NSW:

P1/P2 licence holders are also restricted from driving the following 6-cylinder vehicles:
BMW M, M3 and Z4.
Honda NSX.
Nissan 350Z and 370Z (including private or 'grey' import variants eg. Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37, Skyline 350GT (V35), Skyline 370GT (V36)).
All Porsches from 1994 models onwards (except diesel).
Mercedes Benz SLK350.